Predict AFC Championship Game: Ravens @ Patriots

**Ks1102** · 01-19-2012, 01:04 PM

If the Pats win you might get lucky if you know what I mean. You may not be in the mood though.

Originally Posted by Teavo

My prediction is that Sunday evening will be a frosty one between my Patriots-fan wife and myself. DOH!

**PeterB58** · 01-19-2012, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Brick

The unanswered question is how well will the Ravens play on defense. The offense can not be counted on to win this game.

Actually, the 2 biggest strengths on the Ravens and Patriots - defense and offense - somewhat cancel each other out. Potentially the biggest mis-match is the Ravens offense versus the Patriots defense.

In my mind, if the Ravens are going to win, they will need a complete team effort, including around 30 points from the offense.

And nothing short of a complete team effort should punch your ticket to the SB.

For the record, I think they come up a tad short.

Patriots 34
Ravens 31

**BcRaven** · 01-19-2012, 01:10 PM

Ravens 23 - Pats 20 on a late Cundiff FG, as we Ravens fans have to drink profusely and make cardiologist appointments, as usual... Bc

**SC_Raven_Fan** · 01-19-2012, 01:19 PM

Ravens put up 30+ pts in this game unless there's precipitation and/or egregious turnovers

31-27

**ravenfever** · 01-19-2012, 01:22 PM

McGahee & Ball had 120 yards combined rushing against the Patriots Saturday. What do you think Rice & Williams are going to do to them. If the Pat's commit everybody to stop the run Flacco will burn them. Ravens jump out to a big lead and then hold on for dear life, hopefully the rope will be long enough.

Ravens 30
Pat's 24

**DBK11** · 01-19-2012, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by PeterB58

Actually, the 2 biggest strengths on the Ravens and Patriots - defense and offense - somewhat cancel each other out. Potentially the biggest mis-match is the Ravens offense versus the Patriots defense.

In my mind, if the Ravens are going to win, they will need a complete team effort, including around 30 points from the offense.

And nothing short of a complete team effort should punch your ticket to the SB.

For the record, I think they come up a tad short.

Patriots 34
Ravens 31

Not sure the Ravens can put up 30 points this weekend......Pats D has let up over 30 points once this season (week 1 I believe), Hard to think the defesive minded Ravens will put up 30 in January, on the road and in the playoffs. Ravens players are even doubting Flacco so I can't picture an offensive explosion. Ravens can win but I think 24-21 or 21-17 more the likely score.

**Brick** · 01-19-2012, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by PeterB58

Potentially the biggest mis-match is the Ravens offense versus the Patriots defense.

I agree with this but I just don't see the offense having a break-out game here. They will score points but I don't see them scoring more than 23 and most likely no more than 20. That means the defense has to stop Brady and his offense a bunch. Assuming 12 possessions per game, they can only give up two touchdowns and a field goal. That is a tall order.